Dutch government coalition collapses: After the far-right PVV party leaves the coalition over an immigration disagreement, the Dutch government falls.
The leader of the PVV party declares, “No signature, no adjustments, so PVV leaves the coalition.”
The far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) left the ruling coalition over unresolved differences on refugee and migration policy, causing the Dutch government, led by Prime Minister Dick Schoof, to fall on Tuesday.
The PVV leader, Geert Wilders, had called for broad limitations on Dutch asylum and migrant laws, but the coalition partners—the conservative VVD, the centrist NSC, and the farmers’ party BBB—were unable to agree.
“Without a signature and no adjustments made, the PVV will leave the coalition,” indicated Wilders on X.
According to VRT news, Wilders, whose party is a major player in the coalition, demanded that the coalition agreement include ten strict new measures, such as closing the borders for asylum seekers, stepping up military border controls, closing the number of asylum centers, and deporting Syrian refugees with temporary residency permits.
“If nothing or not enough changes, the PVV is gone,” Wilders had said the day before.
The heads of the other coalition parties, however, responded with dismay and rage.
“He chooses his ego and his interests,” stated Dilan Yesilgoz, the leader of the VVD. I’m shocked. He squanders the opportunity for a right-wing policy. His behaviour is incredibly careless.
Caroline van der Plas, the head of the BBB, also denounced the action.
“He holds all the cards and is deliberately pulling the plug,” she stated.
The meeting was superfluous, according to NSC chief Nicolien van Vroonhoven, who also stated that they were already addressing some of Wilders’ issues.
